WEST LONG BRANCH – For Linda Randall, being part of the Bruce Springsteen fan base is about more than rock 'n' roll.

"For me, it's about taking care of each other, compassion and trust," said Randall, 64, author of "Finding Grace In The Concert Hall," a book about how people have created a community around Springsteen and his music.

"Springsteen sets an example that he inspires people to emulate. Yet I don't think it's something he intentionally sets out to do," said Randall, of Oneonta, N.Y. "For example, the casual fan doesn't know that he gives $10,000 to every city he performs in."

Randall was one of the panelists to speak Saturday during the "Fifty Years Of Makin' This Guitar Talk" symposium at Monmouth University, an event celebrating Springsteen, his music and his influence. It was timed to coincide with the New Jersey native's 65th birthday, which is Tuesday.

"I think events like this speak to the level of fandom Springsteen has generated over the years," said Asbury Park Press entertainment reporter Chris Jordan, who moderated a panel about Springsteen's presence in academic projects. "It's a journey of discovery. Through events like this, you learn a little more about Springsteen, the Jersey Shore and the world we live in."

Panelist Holly Cara Price, who saw her first Springsteen concert in 1978, agreed that being a fan is about a discovery and growth that also crosses generational lines.

"Bruce and the band are getting older — as we all are — but his music resonates with people his age, their children and their children's children," said Price of New York City, who writes for The Huffington Post and brucespringsteen.net. "I think he's a person that when his audience expands, it's reflected in his art. It changes him in a creative way."

During a panel discussion about Springsteen's evolving relationship with his fans, she said how remarkable it is to see different generations of people enjoying his shows.

"I think it's incredible that the audience is growing in that way because he's not stopping," she said to a roomful of laughter. "I don't believe he's ever gonna stop."

Dumont native Camille Conte, 52, was one of the dozens of fans at the symposium who hopes Springsteen never stops doing what he does best — writing great music and connecting with people. She recalled being at a show where Springsteen jumped into the crowd, something he's known to do often.

"You really have to love people to do a crowd surf at 64," said Conte, who travels the country broadcasting her own online radio show. "I feel like he's trying to say, 'I am you — you are me — we are the same.' It never feels forced or artificial. It's very moving."

It was that theme of "being one" that many of the panelists and fans talked about at the symposium.

"As we deal with the everyday angst and agida of growing older — we know we've done it together," said Randall. "I think that creates a bond."